Nepal (NP)

Nepal is a landlocked Himalayan nation between India and China, home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks including Mount Everest (8,849m).

Capital: Kathmandu

Region: Asia

Language: Nepali

Currency: NPR (Rs)

Cost of living: Very affordable (index 18)

Emergency: 100

Healthcare in Nepal

Nepal has public hospitals, private hospitals and many clinics. Expat care is mostly private in Kathmandu/Pokhara, with evacuation insurance for serious trauma, cardiac, neonatal or mountain emergencies.

Variable; strong private routine care in Kathmandu but limited specialist capacity outside major cities.

Public healthcare: Public health system

Eligibility:Nepali citizens and residents with access depending on scheme and facility; foreigners usually pay out of pocket unless covered by employer/insurance.

Monthly cost:Tax/public funded; private payment common.

What's included:

Emergency stabilisation
Public hospital care
Basic clinics

Not included (or co-pay required):

Many private services
International evacuation
Most expat-preferred care

Co-payments:Low fees in public facilities, but waits and shortages occur.

How to enrol:Not a simple expat universal insurance enrolment system.

Waiting period:Immediate emergency care but access varies.

Private healthcare: Private hospitals and clinics

Who can use it:Anyone who can pay or has insurance.

When it makes sense:Most expat outpatient, maternity, diagnostics and specialist care.

Monthly cost:Consultations NPR 1,000-4,000; insurance USD 800-3,000+/year.

Major providers:

CIWEC HospitalGrande International HospitalNorvic International HospitalHAMS HospitalNepal MedicitiKathmandu Model Hospital

Accessing care

GP system

No strong GP gatekeeper system; expats use private clinics or hospital outpatient departments.

Specialist referral

Direct specialist appointments often possible privately.

Emergency care

Private hospital ERs in Kathmandu; ambulance 102 but quality varies.

Out of hours

Hospital emergency departments and private clinic on-call numbers.

Prescriptions

Pharmacies are widespread but counterfeit/quality risk exists; use reputable pharmacies.

Dental

Private dental clinics are affordable; quality varies.

Mental health

Private therapists/psychiatrists and NGO services exist but capacity is limited.

Maternity

Private maternity care in Kathmandu is common; neonatal emergency planning matters.

Expat-specific advice

First steps on arrival:

Choose nearest private hospital
Buy evacuation insurance
Keep blood type/allergy card
Identify pharmacy
Plan air pollution mitigation

Finding English-speaking doctors:Available at major private hospitals and expat clinics.

International insurance:Strongly recommended, including helicopter rescue for trekking and international evacuation.

Emergency card info:Carry passport copy, visa, insurance card, emergency contacts, allergies and medication list.

EHIC notes:No EU-style EHIC system applies in Nepal.

Pharmacies (Pharmacy / ausadhi pasal)

Hours:Many open long hours; hospital pharmacies 24/7.

After-hours / emergency:Use hospital pharmacy for urgent night needs.

Prescription rules:Rules exist but enforcement varies; do not self-medicate antibiotics or altitude drugs without advice.

Available over-the-counter:

ORS
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Antihistamines
Water purification tablets
Masks

Typical costs

GP visit (with insurance)	NPR 0–500 copay depending on insurer; international plans often cover in full at network hospitals
GP visit (private pay)	NPR 1,000-3,000 private
Specialist visit	NPR 1,500-5,000+
Emergency visit	NPR 5,000-50,000+ before tests/admission
MRI scan	NPR 10,000-25,000+
Prescription average	NPR 300-3,000
Dental check-up	NPR 1,000-3,000
Baby delivery	NPR 100,000-500,000+ private depending on complications

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